Guanaco hunting in the arid chaco (cordoba, argentina): a zooarchaeological perspective

We present a zooarchaeological analysis of a modern collection of 24 guanacos (Lama guanicoe), a product of the hunting, processing, consumption and disposal of the animals in a field located in the northwest of the province of Cordoba, Argentina. To the previous analyses, we add information obtained through semi-structured interviews (n=50), sometimes with the participation of two or three interlocutors, open and in-depth (n=16), and participant observation with local residents (N=8), in an attempt to contribute to the understanding of human-guanaco relations through an archaeology of the contemporary past (late 20th century to present). Our results show changes and continuities regarding the hunting, processing and use of these ungulates. In light of our results, we also discuss the symbolic and medicinal value of the species for the local community. Finally, we draw attention to how the socioeconomic and ecological changes associated with the Anthropocene have endangered guanacos at a provincial scale. Thus, we underscore the importance of addressing an archaeology of the contemporary era which contributes to biocultural conservation in the area.